The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

The University of Sheffield, in association with Detectronic are recruiting a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate to help develop and test a groundbreaking monitoring system for continuous water quality measurement in rivers.  This is in response to the national need to monitor wastewater overflow spills. The technology has the potential to be deployed to 1000’s of UK river locations. 

We are looking for a well-motivated individual, with a good technical background, a strong interest in the environment and ideally experience of water quality monitoring in a laboratory or field environment. Working in a multi-university team and utilising our world leading experimental facilities, you will help develop the monitoring system, evaluate and improve its performance and lead the development of protocols for commercial deployment (supported by Detectronic).

There will be significant opportunities for personal development including a residential programme at Ashorne Hill to further develop your professional skills and network. A generous development and training budget of £5000 is available. You will benefit from being a member of one of the largest urban water research groups in the UK, as well as gaining direct experience with one of the UK’s leading wastewater network monitoring companies. We are also committed to exploring flexible working opportunities.

The successful postholder will work collaboratively with a second KTP associated employed by City St Georges University, London. The associate will be required to travel and work remotely at different sites in the UK including Detectronic offices in Nelson and at supporting water companies. 

Main duties and responsibilities

• Develop and manage a program of experimental testing using facilities at the University of Sheffield to evaluate, develop and enhance the performance of prototype water quality monitoring systems.
• Use experimental testing results to consider the accuracy, reliability, robustness and maintenance requirements of the monitoring system and provide recommendations for technical and commercial improvements.
• Develop deployment protocols and technical documentation to facilitate the deployment of the monitoring system on a commercial basis by the project sponsor.
• Communicate effectively with the KTP associate employed at City St Georges University London to manage the overall program of work, coordinate activities and discuss ongoing results and findings.
• Communicate effectively with key Detectronic and academic staff to understand commercial and scientific performance indicators for the technology and ensure effective project management.      
• Effectively disseminate project outputs via both publications, at external events (e.g. scientific conferences) and engagement with potential water company customers. 
• Lead the project, attend project meetings, monitor milestones and produce technical documents as required. This includes planning your own workload to ensure the overall project milestones and objectives are met on time.
• Engage fully with the requirements of the knowledge transfer partnership scheme, including personal development and reporting. This includes attendance at residential training courses.
• Work across multiple sites, including at Detectronic, field testing sites, City St Georges University, and the University of Sheffield.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

Following the closing date, we will contact you by email to let you know whether or not you have been shortlisted to participate in the next stage of the selection process. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mac-recruitment@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.